When Lin Jie saw Huo Wu, a flicker of surprise crossed his face. Compared to the girl he'd met before, the current Huo Wu seemed like a different person. She was still just as beautiful—but now she looked haggard and worn out.
Even as Lin Jie entered with Huo Wushuang, Huo Wu didn't so much as glance their way, continuing her training as if they weren't there.
Clearly, what Huo Wushuang had said wasn't an exaggeration. She really was dangerously close to obsession.
"Xiao Wu..."
"I told you already, I'm fine. Stop coming here every day." Huo Wu sounded irritated. But when she opened her eyes and saw Lin Jie standing beside her brother, her breath caught. She rubbed her eyes in disbelief, unsure if what she was seeing was real.
Seeing his sister's reaction, Huo Wushuang understood instantly—Lin Jie was the obsession gnawing at her heart.
He couldn't help sighing inwardly, feeling a bit regretful that Feng Xiaotian had brought Lin Jie here. Despite how much he acknowledged Feng Xiaotian's strength and character, in this situation... it was just unfortunate.
"Lin Jie… What… What are you doing here?" Huo Wu's voice trembled slightly—equal parts surprise and joy. She stepped closer, as though needing to confirm he was really standing there.
"Just passing through," Lin Jie said casually. "Ran into Feng Xiaotian and heard about your situation, so I came to check in."
Hearing Feng Xiaotian's name, Huo Wu didn't react much. In truth, the moment she laid eyes on Lin Jie, it was like something deep in her heart had found an outlet. Her entire being seemed to come alive again.
She stepped in front of Lin Jie and gazed at him, her voice now soft and serious:
"Lin Jie… Can I fight you again?"
"Xiao Wu!" Huo Wushuang frowned, clearly disapproving.
Lin Jie looked at Huo Wu helplessly. He understood her type—strong-willed, competitive, desperate for recognition. But she seemed much calmer than before, which was rare.
"You want to spar? What exactly do you want to compare—Spirit Power?"
As he spoke, Lin Jie released his Spirit Power without restraint.
The intense pressure caused both Huo Wu and Huo Wushuang's expressions to freeze.
Then Lin Jie continued, "Do you think you could defeat me now? If not Spirit Power, what then—technique? Physique? Raw strength? Do you really think you can win?"
Huo Wu was shaken.
Could she beat him?
In truth, she already knew the answer.
She didn't really want to defeat Lin Jie. She simply… couldn't get him out of her heart. Their connection had only come from a competition, and she barely knew him. But she had no other way to get closer. The moment she saw him again, she'd felt happy—genuinely happy.
"Do you want to become stronger?" Lin Jie suddenly asked, his tone mysterious. "Because if you do, I can offer you a way."
Huo Wu's expression shifted slightly. After a brief pause, she nodded.
Seeing this, Lin Jie turned to Huo Wushuang.
"Brother Wushuang, I'd like to speak to your sister alone—if that's alright."
Huo Wushuang hesitated for a moment, then nodded and stepped outside.
Now, only Lin Jie and Huo Wu remained in the room.
Lin Jie turned toward her, reached out, and took her hand with a small smile.
"I heard you like me."
"Who—Who said that!" Huo Wu instinctively tried to pull her hand back, only to find she couldn't. Her face flushed red with embarrassment—especially after Lin Jie's teasing remark.
"Word is, someone's been training nonstop while muttering my name all day long." Lin Jie leaned in slightly. "Could that someone be you, Huo Wu?"
"I… I just…" she stammered, unable to form a full sentence.
"I know you missed me." Lin Jie raised his other hand, gently brushing her delicate cheek.
Huo Wu didn't move away. Her face was already burning red.
Staring into her eyes, Lin Jie whispered, "With how beautiful you are, of course I like you too."
Her eyes lit up. "Really?"
Back when Lin Jie had stolen her first kiss, she'd already started to feel something. Now, hearing him say it out loud, her heart swelled with joy—and some of the pain she'd bottled up these past few days seemed to melt away.
Lin Jie took a moment to admire her.
She wore a fiery-red short skirt that exposed a stretch of flawless jade-white legs. Her slender waist and full, alluring figure gave her the kind of curves that made his breath catch. Her smooth shoulders, shapely collarbones, long, elegant neck, and delicate hands—all paired with a stunning, charming face and eyes that held both innocence and allure. She was beautiful. Unquestionably beautiful.
It made Lin Jie marvel at the wonders of creation. He'd never considered himself lustful, but looking at the captivating Huo Wu in front of him… he couldn't deny he was moved.
"Yes," he repeated, gently stroking her flaming-red hair. "I really do like girls like you, Huo Wu."
"Then make me stronger," she said.
At first, she'd wanted to refuse out of pride. But hearing Lin Jie say he liked her made her realize—she had liked him all along. She'd challenged him in the tournament just to get his attention.
And now, she feared falling behind. If her strength couldn't keep up, the distance between them would only grow.
Besides, she'd always longed for power.
"Then join the Spirit Hall," Lin Jie said calmly.
The two spoke for over half an hour. Lin Jie explained many things to her—including the fact that he, too, would be joining the Spirit Hall.
Huo Wu agreed.
She had no deep-seated issues with Spirit Hall, nor did she feel any resistance to joining.
Seeing her agree, Lin Jie smiled in satisfaction.
In truth, this had been his main goal all along. If Huo Wu joined the Spirit Hall, then with some effort, her brother, her father, and even the entire Blazing Academy might eventually fall under his influence.
Of course, that would only happen after he officially joined Spirit Hall. For now, he was just laying the groundwork.
With his goal accomplished, Lin Jie had no intention of staying.
He planned to head to the Star Dou Forest immediately.
But just before leaving, as he looked at the delicate and radiant Huo Wu in front of him, he didn't hesitate. He pulled her into his arms.
Huo Wu was someone who loved boldly and hated fiercely. Now that she had admitted to liking Lin Jie, she became even bolder than him.
Since they were about the same height, she leaned in and kissed him.
And Lin Jie? He responded with even greater passion.
Huo Wu wore a skin-tight red short dress, with her jade-like back and shoulders fully exposed. Lin Jie's desire needed no more explanation.
Her fair, glowing skin flushed red like wine. Her body was warm and soft, breath heavy, eyes half-closed in desire.
Lin Jie greedily kissed her fiery lips, tasting her sweetness. When they finally parted, a thin string of silver still connected their lips.
Huo Wu looked up at him with sultry eyes, her cheeks blazing red, as she hugged him tighter and kissed him again.
Her mind had finally cleared. The obsession that had weighed her down these past days—it had all stemmed from Lin Jie.
Now that she had her answer, she was free.
In that moment, Lin Jie realized: Huo Wu was a lot like Liu Erlong. Not only were both of their Martial Souls fire-based—but even their kisses carried a burning passion.
Once ignited, she burned brighter than he had imagined.
Soft as silk, sweet as honey, fragrant as orchids, and pure as plum blossoms.
They were so lost in their kiss that neither noticed the stunned figure standing nearby, watching them with eyes wide in shock.
It was Huo Wushuang.
When Lin Jie had asked to speak privately with Huo Wu, he hadn't thought much of it. He trusted Lin Jie wouldn't do anything to hurt his sister.
After over half an hour of waiting, curiosity and worry finally pushed him to enter.
What he saw stunned him speechless.
Huo Wu… was kissing Lin Jie.
Passionately. And willingly.
He'd thought they were in there just talking—but clearly, something else was happening.
As her brother, he knew Huo Wu better than almost anyone. He'd suspected her feelings for Lin Jie before—but he hadn't expected her to be this… forward.
And when he saw Lin Jie's clearly unrestrained hands—he felt an overwhelming urge to kill him.
That's my sister, and you—
He'd been standing there for quite a while now, but the two had completely ignored him.
Huo Wu had her back to him and was lost in Lin Jie's kiss. She hadn't even noticed.
Lin Jie had noticed—but Huo Wu's passion had made it difficult to refuse. So… he went along with it, completely ignoring Huo Wushuang.
Cough—
No reaction.
Cough, cough—
Still nothing.
Cough! Cough! Cough!!!
Finally, Huo Wushuang couldn't hold it in and loudly cleared his throat.
Huo Wu, still in the middle of her kiss, finally realized someone was there. Her face turned crimson as she instinctively pushed Lin Jie away.
"B-Brother?! Why are you in here?!"
Why? Huo Wushuang was practically fuming.
If I hadn't come in, would he have devoured you whole right here?!
His eyes burned with fury as he glared at Lin Jie. If not for his sister's presence, he would've exploded by now.
Lin Jie saw the rage in Huo Wushuang's eyes and smiled sheepishly.
"Heh… Brother Wushuang. Good to see you. Don't misunderstand, okay? I was just… helping Xiao Wu with her cultivation. Right, Xiao Wu?"
Blushing furiously, Huo Wu looked at her brother, then turned to Lin Jie and gave a small, guilty nod.